Former India cricketer Reetinder Singh Sodhi in his recent interaction reacted to wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant testing positive for COVID-19 in the UK and also said that players need to be more responsible during these tough times.
Along with Pant, the Indian team's throwdown specialist Dayanand Garani also tested positive for coronavirus, which led to Wriddhiman Saha, bowling coach Bharat Arun, and reserve opening batsman Abhimanyu Easwaran going into isolation for being in close contact with Garani.
“We were thinking about the XI that will be played, which players are in good rhythm, but now both wicket-keepers are not present. The hope is that KL Rahul does not have to keep wickets,” Reetinder Sodhi told India News.
“This is very tragic because you want to take advantage of the two practice matches before the series. You want to score runs and get acclimatized but now the fear will be that no one else should get infected. The players' mindset will be on the back foot, which is very unfortunate,” he added.
Pant was seen attending the Euro 2020 Round of 16 football match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium in London. But, according to Sodhi, going to such crowded places without a mask is an invitation to trouble.
“There has been talk going on for such a long time that you should avoid crowded places and if it is necessary wear masks. If you are going without masks where there are so many spectators, then you are yourselves inviting danger,” the 40-year-old said.
“This is very very sad and the board has expressed their anger and it is absolutely correct as well because the players will have to understand their responsibility themselves. Now the prayer is that everything remains fine,” he signed off.
Team India will be regrouping in Durham for their practice match against Select County XI followed by a five-match Test series against England from 4 August.
(With India News Inputs)
